INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 22, 2008) -- A wave of excitement
filled the halls of Panther Racing's headquarters in Indianapolis
following an announcement Thursday afternoon that the Indy Racing League
and the Champ Car World Series have agreed to unify the sport in 2008.

Below are statements from Panther team owner John Barnes and driver Vitor
Meira.

John Barnes
Panther Racing CEO and Managing Partner:

"I'm just so proud of Tony George, (Indy Racing League
Presidents) Brian Barnhart and Terry Angstadt for all the hard work
they've done with our sport to put this thing together, and I
can't wait to get those (Champ Car) guys on the track with us this
season. The Indy Racing League has experienced the biggest growth amongst
professional sports leagues in the last two years and time will tell how
much unification helps with that. We still have work to do. Continuing to
move up and show that growth is important and I believe we're going
to be able to do that.

Vitor Meira
No. 4 Delphi Panther Racing
driver:

"I'm just happy; really happy that this has finally happened.
No matter how this had to be done and how the details come down, this is
going to be good for everybody in open-wheel racing. The bar has just
been raised for all of us. Both series have good drivers, good team
members and good sponsors. Now we have more resources, more talent and
the value of our championship just took a major step forward. The
Indianapolis 500 is going to be like the old days again; everybody is
going to be there and it's going to be a huge deal for all of us
that are involved. I didn't think I could be more excited about the
2008 IndyCar Series season, but now I'm especially energized to
load our transporter into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.
I'm happy to be a part of this."